We can’t always be ideal in the choices we make

Ideals are essential. They give us a direction for people to go. They serve to compare the “now” to “what could be” in the future.

Ideals, however, can interfere with decision-making. If the ideal choice were always available, we would take it.

Unfortunately, that isn’t how life works. Often, we are met with less-than-ideal choices in less-than-ideal circumstances.

So, what do we do?

Instead, we are pragmatic. We make the best choices and move forward, hopefully, towards better. Sometimes, that is ten steps back, about facing, running away, or persevering. Ultimately, what matters is that we try again. Progress doesn’t always look linear. Rivers don’t flow in a straight line, and neither does progress.